Most liked posts in thread: New to Mini Cooper

Just to prove Nathan wrong, I have a 2009, 2nd generation, Base (Justa) Mini. I am coming up on 98K, with NOT ONE SINGLE PROBLEM and I change the oil at the recommended interval.

 

Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.

What year MINI?

Keep in mind, there are over 1/2 million MINIs in the US now, and what you read on the forums are people having issues. They don't post and say "my car ran great today".

 

There are plenty of trouble free MINI's out there...There are plenty of folks on here who have had NO issues with thier MINI's

 

Obviously no one knows the reliability of the 2014, although it's already been recalled before it was released, which is ominious...

MINI as a brand isn't the most reliable car out there; this is an enthusiasts site, so you'll see many people denigrating the JD Powers and Consumer Reports data, but the truth is, both BMW and MINI aren't in the same league as Honda or Toyota. Not too many people on here or other MINI enthusiast's site are going to be negative; those that hate the car and had problems with it are long gone from here.

And that brings up another point--Toyota has great reliability, and you had problems with yours. So if you have a problem with a car, it's 100% fail, if you buy a car with poor reliability, and have no problems, it's 100% good. It's all or none...It just that your chances of a lemon are higher with a MINI than most other car brands.

Personally, if the MINI was going to be my ONLY car, and reliability was my primary issue, it wouldn't be first on my list. If you're dead set on a MINI, and if you have a dealer in town, then I'd consider it, but I wouldn't get the first year 2014, I'd get a late generation R56, with warranty left on it, and wait at least a year into the 2014 cycle; the track record of 1st year new generation models with the MINI is less than stellar.

If you're buying the MINI as a second car, and the potential issues aren't going to kill you from a convienence standpoint, then go for it--short of a Lotus, it's the most fun lower HP car out there to drive, and it's quirkiness is unmatched (and I mean that in a good way).

As for Hardtop versus Convertible, doesn't really matter, the convertible problems of the first generation have been hammered out. S versus Base, the S has more things that can go wrong with. They're both great cars, but I prefer the power of the S over the base.

Not trying to burst your bubble; they are great cars in the right application, and the community is even better--just trying to be realistic.

 

Welcome!
I have not had a single problem with my MINI, it runs great!

Dave

 

Or get an GEN1 05-06 R53 (Super Charger), GEN1 06-08 (VERT-Super Charger)...these should come down in price with the new GEN3 2014 coming out next week.

 

IMO, I've now had two Mini Cooper S models with the turbo. My first was a 07 and I burned a valve due to carbon build up....poor PCV system in the N14 engines. My new one is a late model 2012 with the N18 engine. So buy a 2012 or later with N18 engine, buy from a Mini dealer with a warrantee of 6yr/100,000. I LOVE the turbo, still gets great gas mileage and will always have a Mini! Motor on!!!

 

Welcome to the coolest MINI forum on the net...........


I have had and seen Toyota's and Honda's with issues too....and they are considered extremely reliable. Like Nathan said people typically dont post "Car started and ran fine today"....If you are going to get a MINI...get the one that you feel the most comfortable in and have the most fun with..because that is what MINI is all about...Happy Motoring!

 

IMHO you just hit the proverbial nail on the head--good luck with your decision. If you opt to wait a year, you can still join the community, and you'll be welcomed with open arms--there are many people who "hang out" here for a year or even longer before buying a MINI, and many people who don't own a MINI, or used to and still check in. Either way, it's all good!

 

I've had two over the last 6 years as my primary driver. They have had some rattles and niggling issues, but in 100k miles I've never been stranded. Except when I caused it by trying to work on my own car. That's not to say I haven't dealt with some issues, but none serious enough to be a real problem.

So as long as you know they are not drive them, neglect them and they beg for more like the average Honda, you'll be fine.

If you get one, love it, drive it, kiss it, but check the oil - regularly. And don't forget.

A guy I work with went from a 2001 corolla that used a quart of oil every tank, and hadn't been washed in 2 years to a 2010 clubman recently. He loves it. And is Willing to pay the requisite attention to it because its that much fun. You probably will to. So buy one. You won't regret it. But do it with eyes wide open.

 

In my family we have owned a total of 7 in the past 3 years and no major issues so far. Good luck and welcome to m/a

 

Welcome to M/A the FUN Mini site.

 

Welcome to M/A! My 2006 R53 started (twice!!) and ran hard several times today...

 

I am on my second MINI, no problems with either. The first (2002) was a daily driver, never left me stranded. The second (2006) is not my daily driver but is as reliable. Good luck!